The city of Ollantaytambo

The town of Ollantaytambo is thought to be the only remaining example of pre Columbian urban planning. Located in the province of Urubamba, Cusco Region

Ollantaytambo is a hillside overlooking the city is a monumental Incan complex.

Ollantaytambo was in fact a tambo, or inn for the Inca or his nobles while traveling on official business, and was strategically located to dominate the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Previously was here where Manco Inca retreated to in order to amass his armies after the fall of Empire Cusco.

Ollantaytambo have around population 2,000, is the most beautiful town in the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo is set higher up from the main highway, and built on uneven ground. Stone stairways are beautifully framed by stone arches.

The town is also well set up for visitors, with many restaurants and outdoor patios. Normally to Travellers and tourists it is easy to spend a day or more here, with a half day spent touring the ruins and the rest of the day spent exploring the city and soaking up the atmosphere.

The town is one of only two places in the Sacred Valley to catch the train to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. While most people take the train from Cusco directly to Aguas Calientes, it is a shorter and less expensive train ride from Ollantaytambo.